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Museum · Naoshima, Kagawa
Chichu Art Museum
A Tadao Ando museum built almost entirely underground, lit by natural light, with works by Claude Monet, James Turrell and Walter De Maria; entry is by timed ticket.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Chichu Art Museum in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Chichu Art Museum
The Chichu Art Museum opened in 2004 on a hill in southern Naoshima, designed by Tadao Ando. Chichu means “inside the earth”: most of the building is buried so as not to alter the island’s landscape, and from outside you only see geometric openings on the slope. Inside, concrete corridors and open courtyards to the sky lead to rooms lit only by daylight.
The museum houses works by three artists, each in a space designed for them. Five canvases from Claude Monet’s Water Lilies series are displayed in a white room with a floor of small marble cubes, lit by a skylight. James Turrell’s light installations alter the perception of space, such as an opening in the ceiling that makes the sky appear as a surface. Walter De Maria’s work includes a large staircase with a polished granite sphere and gilded elements on the walls.
Because the light is natural, the works change appearance with the time of day and the season: on a cloudy day Monet’s room is soft; on a sunny day it is brighter. Visits are quiet, with rules such as removing shoes in some rooms and no photography inside the museum.
Entry is by timed ticket, reserved online. Next to the ticket office is the Chichu Garden, planted with species that appear in Monet’s paintings, and the museum café has a view of the sea. The complex is part of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima, which groups the island’s museums and art projects.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1–2 hours.
Best time
In the morning, at the earliest time slots, when there are fewer people. On sunny days the natural light dramatically changes the rooms; on cloudy days the Monet room is softer. The museum is usually closed on Mondays; check the calendar and book in advance.
How to get there
From Miyanoura Port, the city bus takes you to the museum area, where a dedicated shuttle goes on to Chichu; by electric bicycle it’s about 20 minutes, with climbs. The ticket office is a few minutes’ walk from the entrance.
Tip
Reserve the time as soon as you set the date, because tickets sell out in high season. Arrive a few minutes early at the ticket office, which is separate from the museum.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Chichu Art Museum
Do I need a reservation for the Chichu Art Museum?
Yes. Entry is by timed ticket, sold online. There may be walk-up availability, but it’s not guaranteed.
Can you take photos inside Chichu?
No. Photography is prohibited inside the museum. It is allowed in the garden and the exterior area near the ticket office.
Which Monet works are in Chichu?
Five canvases from the Water Lilies series, from the painter’s final years, displayed in a room lit by natural light.
How long does the visit to Chichu take?
About 1 to 2 hours, allowing time for each room and for the café with sea views.
Beyond the guide
